One of the most common methods for cleaning transport trolleys is using hospital-grade disinfectant wipes. This method is quick, efficient, and effective in eliminating pathogens from the trolley surfaces. Here are some suggested steps below, however, it is always recommended to refer to your transport trolley manufacturers IFU for official information:

• Preparation: Ensure you have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks.
• Cleaning: Use a hospital-grade disinfectant wipe to thoroughly clean all surfaces of the trolley , including handles, trays, and wheels. Pay special attention to high-touch areas.
• Disinfection: Allow the disinfectant to air-dry on the surfaces to ensure maximum efficacy. This process helps to eliminate any remaining pathogens.

For a more thorough cleaning, some transport trolleys can be reprocessed through a cart/trolley washer in a hospital’s Central Sterile Services Department (CSD). Again, please refer to the cart/trolleys manufacturer IFU for detailed information for cleaning the trolley, as some trolleys materials are not suitable for high temperate washer disinfectors. This method may involve:

• Loading: Place the transport trolley and/or trolleys trays into the washer, ensuring it is properly positioned for optimal cleaning.
• Washing: The washer uses high-temperature water and hospital-grade detergents to clean and disinfect the trolley. This process is highly effective in removing all contaminants.
• Drying: After washing, the trolley is dried using high-temperature air, ensuring it is completely dry and ready for use.

Single-use, compostable, disposable liners offer several benefits in maintaining the hygiene of transport trolleys:

• Hygiene: These liners create a barrier between the instruments and the trolley, preventing direct contact and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
• Sterility: The liners are generally supplied sterile, ensuring that they do not introduce any contaminants to the trolley, endoscope or medical instruments.
• Sustainability: Being compostable, these liners support environmental sustainability by reducing plastic waste.
• Convenience: Disposable liners simplify the cleaning process, as they can be easily disposed of and replaced, reducing the need for frequent trolley disinfection.

Maintaining the cleanliness of transport trolleys is vital in preventing HAIs in hospitals. Here’s how these practices contribute:

• Eliminating Pathogens: Regular cleaning with disinfectant wipes or reprocessing through a washer ensures that pathogens are effectively removed from the trolley surfaces.
• Reducing Cross-Contamination: Using sterile, disposable liners prevents cross-contamination between instruments and the trolley, further reducing the risk of HAIs.
• Enhancing Compliance: These cleaning practices align with infection control policies, ensuring that healthcare facilities maintain high standards of hygiene.